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EU May Delay 2035 No-New-ICE Deadline Amid Industry Pressure

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -no-new-ice-deadline-amid-industry-pressure.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025 at 7:17 GMT by reuters.com

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EU Could Postpone the 2035 “No New ICE” Deadline, Newspaper Reports

The European Union’s ambitious plan to ban the sale of new gasoline‑ and diesel‑powered cars by 2035, a cornerstone of its “Fit for 55” climate package, may be pushed back—at least for a few years—according to a major European newspaper. The report, published on 2 December 2025, comes amid mounting pressure from automakers, industry associations, and several member states that argue the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is too rapid for the continent’s supply chains, especially the battery sector. While the European Commission has denied any immediate plans to alter the legislation, the story highlights the growing tension between the EU’s climate ambitions and the practical realities of industry readiness.

The Origin of the 2035 Target

The 2035 deadline is enshrined in the EU’s Green Deal and the “Fit for 55” legislative package, which seeks to reduce EU greenhouse‑gas emissions by at least 55 % relative to 1990 levels by 2030. A key pillar of that effort is the directive that would, from 2035 onward, ban the sale of new internal‑combustion engine (ICE) vehicles in the EU. The aim is to accelerate the shift to zero‑emission cars, boost battery technology, and support the EU’s larger goal of climate neutrality by 2050.

The directive, announced in 2023, also includes a host of other measures—mandatory CO₂ emission limits, higher battery content requirements, stricter battery safety regulations, and a “battery take‑back” scheme that would make it easier for manufacturers to recycle used batteries. The whole package, often called the “auto package,” is slated for adoption in 2024, with the 2035 deadline becoming law in 2026.

Why the Pressure to Delay?

The core argument behind the call to postpone the deadline is a set of intertwined logistical challenges:

1. Battery Supply Chain Constraints
   EVs are heavily dependent on lithium‑ion batteries. Production capacity in Europe is still far behind global demand. Even with the EU’s “Green Deal” incentives, scaling up battery cell production to meet the projected surge in EV sales by 2035 is deemed unrealistic. Critics point out that the EU still relies on imports of raw materials (lithium, cobalt, nickel) from regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chile, and Australia—supply routes that are fraught with geopolitical and ethical concerns.

2. Manufacturing and Workforce Transition
   Auto manufacturing plants across the continent are still heavily focused on ICE production. A sudden shift to EVs would require retooling, re‑training of workers, and significant capital expenditure. Automakers fear job losses and a potential “carbon lock‑in” if the transition is too abrupt.

3. Infrastructure Readiness
   Even though charging infrastructure has expanded rapidly in recent years, the EU still has uneven coverage across its member states. Some regions, particularly rural and less affluent ones, will lag behind in charging networks, making EV ownership less viable for many Europeans.

4. Regulatory and Market Uncertainty
   While the EU has a robust regulatory framework, uncertainties around EU‑wide battery regulations—such as mandatory battery content limits and take‑back obligations—could create market volatility for automakers and suppliers alike.

Stakeholder Reactions

Automakers and Industry Groups
Major car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Stellantis, Toyota, and Hyundai, have voiced concerns. A joint statement from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)—published in November 2025—argued that “a staggered transition would give the industry the breathing room it needs to fully embrace electrification without jeopardizing economic competitiveness.” ACEA’s spokesperson added that “the automotive industry can achieve net‑zero emissions without sacrificing jobs or Europe’s position as a global leader in car manufacturing.”

Member States
Several EU member states, especially those with large ICE manufacturing footprints, have been vocal. France’s Minister for Industry, Jean‑Pierre Jeune, said in an interview with Le Monde that “the 2035 deadline is too aggressive. We must consider a phased approach to avoid a crisis in the auto sector.” Similarly, Germany’s Transport Minister, Peter Hübner, indicated that “the automotive industry still has a long way to go in terms of scaling EV production, and a delay would not undermine our climate goals.”

European Commission
In a statement released the day after the newspaper’s report, the European Commission’s Climate Action Commissioner, Janusz Wojciechowski, clarified that “the Commission remains committed to the 2035 deadline and the broader ‘Fit for 55’ agenda.” He added that the Commission will “continue to monitor industry readiness, supply‑chain development, and technological progress to ensure a smooth transition.”

Consumer Groups
Consumer advocates, such as the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC), have expressed mixed views. While they applaud the EU’s climate commitment, they caution that a rushed shift could limit consumer choice and drive up vehicle costs. BEUC’s director, Anna Müller, said, “Consumers deserve clear information about the timeline for EV availability, and they need assurance that the transition will not disproportionately burden lower‑income households.”

Potential Implications of a Delay

1. Impact on Climate Goals
   Delaying the ban on new ICE cars could extend the period of high tailpipe emissions, pushing back the EU’s net‑zero timeline. However, proponents argue that a smoother transition could still meet the 2050 neutrality goal if offset by stronger measures in other sectors (e.g., buildings, industry, aviation).

2. Economic Considerations
   A delay could preserve jobs in the short term and mitigate supply‑chain bottlenecks, but it may also dampen the momentum of the EV industry, possibly allowing competitors—such as China and the United States—to capture larger shares of the global automotive market.

3. Investor Confidence
   Uncertainty over regulatory timelines can affect investment in EV infrastructure, battery plants, and technology R&D. A clear, stable policy framework is often cited as a key driver of private-sector investment.

4. Political Dynamics
   The discussion underscores the balancing act the EU faces between progressive climate policy and preserving industrial competitiveness—a central theme in European political debates.

What’s Next?

The EU will likely convene a special working group to assess the feasibility of the 2035 deadline in light of the new supply‑chain data. The Commission is expected to release a “mid‑term report” by the end of 2026, outlining any adjustments to the auto package and timelines. Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy will hold hearings with automaker CEOs, battery suppliers, and environmental NGOs to gauge the impact of the proposed timeline.

The broader context remains the same: the EU is under pressure to deliver on its climate commitments, but the practical challenges of an industrial transformation cannot be ignored. Whether the 2035 deadline is maintained, pushed back to 2037, or even extended further will hinge on a complex calculus that balances environmental urgency, economic resilience, and geopolitical realities.

Links for Further Context

• EU “Fit for 55” Package – A comprehensive overview of the EU’s legislative package aimed at cutting emissions by 55 % by 2030, including the automotive sector.
• European Commission Press Release (2024) – Official text on the new auto package and the 2035 deadline.
• ACEA Statement (Nov 2025) – Joint position of European automakers on the transition timeline.
• BEUC Consumer Report (Dec 2025) – Analysis of consumer impacts under the proposed policy changes.

These resources offer deeper insights into the regulatory framework, industry perspectives, and consumer considerations that underpin the debate over the EU’s 2035 deadline.